DNA Characterization in a NanoChannel

Microfluidics and nanofluidics based technologies manipulate small (10–9 to 10–18 liters) amounts of fluids, in channels with dimensions at the micro- and nano-scale.  We will study the fundamental understanding of DNA behavior in nano fabricated glass channels containing a micro/nano interface.  We will stain DNA fragments ranging from 20-100 base pairs with fluorescent dye and manipulate them on a chip with applies electric fields.  The distribution of fluorescent DNA between the micro and nanochannel will be recorded using a microscope and a camera.  These results will provide key data for a fundamental understanding of DNA behavior at the nano-scale, which is vital for future biotechnologies.  Separation of DNA has numerous applications, including sequencing of genomes for biological functions, biometric fingerprinting, forensics, and identification of pathogens and genetic diseases.

Project Mentor: Jackson (Travis) Del Bonis

Faculty Advisor: Sumita Pennathur